Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

A well-dressed man that is good looking, has manners and is straight--what else can a woman ask for? This movie is you A-typical romantic comedy. It will win no Oscars-but it will leave you feeling good when you walk out of the theater. It reminds me of those time travel romances you can catch me reading from time to time. It has a good plot that doesn't drag, good acting and the handsome, talented Hugh Jackman. Great for a girls night out.

The story for the film is quite involved--for a chick flick. It seems that Stuart (Liev Schreiber) is a scientist of some sorts that is trying to figure out time travel. Instead of building a machine, he finds a rip in time that allows him to travel to New York (where he currently lives in the present day) in 1872. He can calculate when the rip will be open by using methods we currently use to predict weather patterns. When he travels back in time, he follows the Duke of Albany aka Leopold (Hugh Jackman) who invented the elevator and some other things. Leopold has a title but no money, so he must marry a wealthy woman. So that very evening he must pick a wife from the wealthy women attending a party that evening. But before he can make his announcement, he notices Stuart who looks out of place, and follows him to the present. Stuart becomes injured due to malfunctions with the elevator (due to Leopold not being in the past to invent them) and ends up in the hospital. So it is up to Stuart's ex-girlfriend, Kate (Meg Ryan), and her brother, Charlie (Breckin Meyer) to take care of Leopold--only they do not believe he is from the past. Kate is a modern woman who is trying to make it in the corporate world. She has almost reach the position of vice-president in her firm and given up all hope of romance--until Leopold shakes up her world.

The acting was good. Hugh Jackman as Leopold was wonderful. He shows the curiosity of an inventor while keeping the manners of a Duke. He delivers all his lines well--his character was very well scripted. He looked wonderful in those 19th century clothes as well--loved the accent. Where are men like that? Meg Ryan's performance of the modern loveless woman was a little less inspired. She seems very bland next to Leopold. She was good, but not great. Plus her hair cut was terrible. Liev Schreiber was great as the scientist whom no one believes--the doctors think he is nuts and put him in a mental hospital. Breckin Meyer is great as Charles, he at times steals the scenes away from Meg Ryan. His is a very upbeat but unsure of himself character. He plays well off Hugh's character.

The cinematography was good. The stunt with Leopold riding the horse was great. The costuming was great--all those 19th century costumes in the beginning of the film.

This is a wonderful little film with a good story and good acting. It will give you a good feeling to leave the theater with.




Recommended: Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older